You never forget your first time. At least that's what the quarterbacks who have won championships tell me.With around the league, we've reached the point in the NFL calendar for unbridled optimism.Let's examine the potential quarterbacks who could win their first ever title, ranking them in order of how far I project them to go.A few things for your consideration:1) This isn't a quarterback ranking. It's more of a look into the crystal ball for teams and pa sers.2) I think the AFC is much more wide open than the NFC.3) is still a big-time quarterback, but he isn't on the list. I think the are a third-place team in the AFC West.Let the debate begin.1) Andrew Luck, Indianapolis ColtsThe are true contenders, and is the true superstar to carry them.General manager Ryan Grigson was very active during free agency, bringing in savvy veterans to addre s areas of need: running back (), receiver () and pa s rusher (). Although all three ers are getting a little long in the tooth, their combined 32 NFL seasons carry a lot of weight in the locker room. The return of , who mi sed all of last season with a torn Achilles tendon, is gigantic for the ' defense, as well. Although Cole and up Franmil Reyes Jersey -and-coming rusher will likely eat into some of Mathis' snaps, I believe coach Chuck Pagano when he says the 13-year pro this year. All the talent infusion through free agency and the 2015 draft is helpful and make the better, but let's be honest -- it's all about the quarterback in Indy. The enter camp as one of the Yu Darvish Jersey NFL's top-four teams because of Luck, who I think is the . 2) Carson Palmer, Arizona CardinalsSince joining forces with Bruce Arians in 2013, has the fourth-best winning percentage among starting quarterbacks. You read that right. Only (.781), (.781) and (.75) -- all -winning pa sers -- have better marks than Palmer's .727 during the past two seasons. With Palmer declaring himself 100 percent from last year's ACL injury, and the roster re-loaded from top to bottom, there's no reason to think he won't keep his winning ways going. I think the -- with their fierce defense, depth and sensational head coach -- enter the season, at worst, the third-best team in the NFC and with a realistic chance to play in 50. 3) Sam Bradford, Philadelphia EaglesToo high? Stay with me.It's kind of a big deal that the quarterback I've dubbed is ready for training camp. Injuries have sidelined Bradford for 31 games in his four-year career; the most recent one, a torn ACL suffered last preseason, kept him off the field for the entire 2014 season. I still don't trust Bradford to stay healthy, but, as I've written before, I in Chip Kelly. I love all the offseason moves the enigmatic coach has made other than at the quarterback position. , and all represent upgrades. And to fill the void created by 's departure, Kelly used his 2015 first-round pick on the versatile .If Bradford can stay on Eric Hosmer Jersey the field, his accuracy makes him a solid fit in Kelly's offense.And if Bradford plays more games than he mi ses, I think Philly tops the NFC East, and hosts and wins a playoff game.4) Ryan Mallett/Brian Hoyer, Houston TexansI wrote earlier this offseason that this could be the . And I still believe coach Bill O'Brien gets this team over the hump -- regardle s of who he decides to start under center. Mallett is high on the this list (and ahead of ) because I think he represents the most upside for Houston at quarterback.5) Ryan Tannehill, Miami DolphinsI think the are a playoff team after signing . The All-Pro defender makes everyone on that defense better, and should create some one-on-one matchups for and on the edge. On offense, though, this is Tannehill's show. His growth and improvement last season makes me believe he could be the difference that inches the past the and for second place in the AFC East. He's clearly better than and all the quarterbacks on Buffalo's roster.6) Teddy Bridgewater, Minnesota VikingsI'm on the record saying the could be the this year -- the league's version of the Golden State Warriors. With back in the fold, Mike Zimmer coaching the team up and Bridgewater's inevitable growth after a solid rookie campaign, there's plenty to believe in.The second-year quarterback has a lot of talent around him and a rapidly rising defense. At the very least, I believe the Vikes make the playoffs.7) Tony Romo, Dallas CowboysPlease remember this isn't a quarterback ranking. I've Chase Headley Jersey been calling Romo a top-10 quarterback, and frankly one of this generation's greats, for a long time.But I'm worried for him and the .Look, I acknowledge the upside for Romo and the is to win a wide-open NFC East and even a playoff game. The Romo-to- connection behind the best offensive line in football is the main reason why.But I'm very concerned about what the lo s of means for this team, as I've . Sure, the line is fantastic and will make anyone running behind it better. But and don't exactly strike fear in the opposition in quite the same way as the NFL's reigning rushing leader. And sans Murray, I'm worried about the domino effect on Romo. The quarterback enjoyed his best and most efficient season in 2014, as the finally established balance on offense.I think the are an eight- or nine-win team. And believe me, I want much more for Romo.8) Alex Smith, Kansas City ChiefsAs I've said before, . He just wins. Over the last four seasons, as a starter in San Francisco and Kansas City, Smith's 38-16-1. Need postseason chops? How does a playoff pa ser rating of 108.6 with nine touchdown strikes and zero interceptions sound to you? This cat has what it takes to win games on the biggest stage. Flanked by , and -- as well as a defense that ranked second in points allowed last season -- Smith has the surrounding cast to make a dark-horse run.9) Cam Newton, Carolina PanthersI don't think the are a complete team. Their offensive line is still mi sing a couple pieces, and their receiving corps lacks depth behind (though, rookie might develop into a solid player).Still, is a franchise quarterback who, Rollie Fingers Jersey with more consistency, could help make up for the team's deficiencies in other areas. When I spoke with Phil Simms on my SiriusXM Radio show, "Schein on Sports," on Thursday, he raved about Newton's abilities and Carolina's overall upside. As Simms said, the have a talented defense led by the fantastic , who's easily a top-10 player in my eyes.In such a weak division, it wouldn't surprise me if and Carolina's defense led the to their third-straight NFC South title and maybe even a postseason win.Follow Adam Schein on Twitter .